Daylami added to champion field

Daylami was officially confirmed a runner in Saturday's Esat-Digifone Champion Stakes when Sheikh Mohammed splashed out £84,000 yesterday to supplement the grey into the field.

Just nine horses remain after the forfeit stage including Montjeu who is the one the punters are going for with the all important "with a run" proviso.

Cashmans have cut Montjeu to 2 to 1 with a run from 9 to 4 but Royal Anthem remains their 11 to 10 favourite with Daylami next best on 6 to 4.

Godolphin won the Champion Stakes with Swain last year and also took the prize with Cezanne in 1994. Like Swain, Daylami landed the King George over a mile and a half before travelling to Leopardstown.

Only Timarida, in 1996, has won the Champion for the home team in the 1990's but with even the last horse home on Saturday receiving £10,000, the Irish defence is beginning to take shape.

Make No Mistake is a definite runner and Sunday's Matron Stakes winner Dazzling Park, who had been described as doubtful, is now a more likely runner according to trainer Jim Bolger.

Aidan O'Brien is still considering running Sunspangled, but the exciting Black Rock Desert is an unlikely contender for the weekend's main supporting race, the Group 3 Flying Five.

O'Brien said yesterday: "Black Rock Desert has been out for a while but we have been very happy with him recently and if he misses Saturday, he will go straight for the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp."

After heavy rain on Monday night, the ground at Leopardstown is now good to yielding but no more significant rainfall is expected until Saturday.